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Ormstunga Saga #1
Son of Anger
Ulf is like a storm, slowly building up its power, he grows more dangerous with each passing moment. And like all storms, he will eventually break. When he does, he will destroy everything in his path.
Ulf is one of a long line of famous Norse warriors. His ancestor Tyr was no ordinary man, but the Norse God of War. Ulf, however, knows nothing about being a warrior.
Everything changes when a stranger arrives on Ulf’s small farm in Vikenfjord. The only family he’s ever known are slaughtered and the one reminder of his father is stolen -- Ulf’s father’s sword, Ormstunga. Ulf’s destiny is decided.
Are the gods punishing him? All Ulf knows is that he has to avenge his family. He sets off on an adventure that will take him across oceans, into the eye of danger, on a quest to reclaim his family’s honour.
The gods are roused. One warrior can answer to them. The Son of Anger.
Ulf is one of a long line of famous Norse warriors. His ancestor Tyr was no ordinary man, but the Norse God of War. Ulf, however, knows nothing about being a warrior.
Everything changes when a stranger arrives on Ulf’s small farm in Vikenfjord. The only family he’s ever known are slaughtered and the one reminder of his father is stolen -- Ulf’s father’s sword, Ormstunga. Ulf’s destiny is decided.
Are the gods punishing him? All Ulf knows is that he has to avenge his family. He sets off on an adventure that will take him across oceans, into the eye of danger, on a quest to reclaim his family’s honour.
The gods are roused. One warrior can answer to them. The Son of Anger.
374 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 11, 2020
532 people are currently reading
665 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
February 26, 2024
A rollicking good read!
This was a tale of vengeance. A young teenage orphan witnesses his remaining family being raped and murdered by a giant of man, an ogre, a killer. Surprisingly, the boy survives his ordeal and, witnessed by the Norse gods, swears vengeance. What follows is a rip roaring tale, full of action and adventure as the boy becomes a man and feared warrior in his own right. Vengeance is not fully served in Book 1 of the series but, roll on the sequels.
This was a tale of vengeance. A young teenage orphan witnesses his remaining family being raped and murdered by a giant of man, an ogre, a killer. Surprisingly, the boy survives his ordeal and, witnessed by the Norse gods, swears vengeance. What follows is a rip roaring tale, full of action and adventure as the boy becomes a man and feared warrior in his own right. Vengeance is not fully served in Book 1 of the series but, roll on the sequels.
April 2, 2022
Gosh, just when I think I’m getting past Viking warrior stories, which I first read from public libraries as a kid many decades ago, one like this comes along, full of vigour, drama and fine characters and I find myself pulled back into the genre! This is good, old fashioned, rumbustious, story telling, fully in the tradition of Viking raider sagas.
It has its own angles too, which is why I enjoyed it and didn’t find it a simple copy of the many Viking stories I’ve read. I liked the way in which the Viking warrior characters were portrayed. They seemed rather more realistic representations of Viking warriors based on some histories I’ve read; in fact, one authoritative academic book very recently The Children of Ash and Elm: A History of the Vikings. Although based in a farming community the wealth that agriculture gives the village allows for a warrior class to be maintained, albeit on the backs of the thralls (that is, slaves) who do the routine work. The warriors are fearless, sometimes ruthless and cruel, and enjoy their ale.
I especially liked the way their relationships with their gods are presented. Unlike for modern gods and religion love, worship and salvation don’t play a role for Viking gods. Their gods are feared, mistrusted even, and may play mischievously with mortals. Nonetheless, they are to be honoured and respected just in case it persuades them to give you some help, especially in combat. These Vikings are superstitious and see signs of their gods in nature around them, in the creatures associated with gods, and the weather, and have a fatalism from being pawns in the hands of the gods. So, this gives some supernatural flavouring to the story, but you understand it’s mostly in the minds of the human characters - well, mostly!
This is mainly the story of Ulf, an orphan from a farming background thrown into the warrior caste. Maybe a traditional tale of how he grows in experience, and the friendships he forms, but done in a realistic and gripping manner. And he has a vendetta to settle. Yes, it’s bloody, they’re ruthless, cruel, pillage for wealth and, more importantly, captives to sell or keep as slaves. They’re not intended to be modern role models, or especially likeable. It’s mostly about male warriors, with the females being wives and mothers, though the Jarl’s wife at least gets a prominent role as easily the smartest and most influential person in the Viking village.
I loved it. If you like a tale of Dark Age Viking warriors this is as good as they come.
Just noticed volume 2 is available, which I’d missed. TBR very shortly.
It has its own angles too, which is why I enjoyed it and didn’t find it a simple copy of the many Viking stories I’ve read. I liked the way in which the Viking warrior characters were portrayed. They seemed rather more realistic representations of Viking warriors based on some histories I’ve read; in fact, one authoritative academic book very recently The Children of Ash and Elm: A History of the Vikings. Although based in a farming community the wealth that agriculture gives the village allows for a warrior class to be maintained, albeit on the backs of the thralls (that is, slaves) who do the routine work. The warriors are fearless, sometimes ruthless and cruel, and enjoy their ale.
I especially liked the way their relationships with their gods are presented. Unlike for modern gods and religion love, worship and salvation don’t play a role for Viking gods. Their gods are feared, mistrusted even, and may play mischievously with mortals. Nonetheless, they are to be honoured and respected just in case it persuades them to give you some help, especially in combat. These Vikings are superstitious and see signs of their gods in nature around them, in the creatures associated with gods, and the weather, and have a fatalism from being pawns in the hands of the gods. So, this gives some supernatural flavouring to the story, but you understand it’s mostly in the minds of the human characters - well, mostly!
This is mainly the story of Ulf, an orphan from a farming background thrown into the warrior caste. Maybe a traditional tale of how he grows in experience, and the friendships he forms, but done in a realistic and gripping manner. And he has a vendetta to settle. Yes, it’s bloody, they’re ruthless, cruel, pillage for wealth and, more importantly, captives to sell or keep as slaves. They’re not intended to be modern role models, or especially likeable. It’s mostly about male warriors, with the females being wives and mothers, though the Jarl’s wife at least gets a prominent role as easily the smartest and most influential person in the Viking village.
I loved it. If you like a tale of Dark Age Viking warriors this is as good as they come.
Just noticed volume 2 is available, which I’d missed. TBR very shortly.
March 21, 2022
Now THIS is how a Viking saga should be told. Will definitely check out more of Cook’s work. 5⭐️
August 30, 2023
This was an absolutely fantastic book! I loved the character development! I loved how I could see the scenes as they were written. I honestly CAN NOT wait to read the next book in the series!!!!
May 9, 2023
Great pacing, strong story, engaging characters,,well done.
Donovan Cook hits the ground running in this strongly written book one of an epic tale. Engaging, remarkable characters, battle scenes and well planned world building. Cannot wait to read rest of this series. Well done, Donovan Cook, well met.
Donovan Cook hits the ground running in this strongly written book one of an epic tale. Engaging, remarkable characters, battle scenes and well planned world building. Cannot wait to read rest of this series. Well done, Donovan Cook, well met.
December 6, 2022
Ulf’s ancestors were all warriors, going all the way back to Tyr, the Norse God of War, but Ulf is the exception. His upbringing has not been among weapons and violence, but one of farming. His aunt and uncle raised him after the death of his father, but Ulf has always been a handful, full or rage since his father’s death. However, with the arrival of a stranger comes the loss of everything Ulf has known. What is left of his family is slaughtered, and the stranger takes off with the one last thing Ulf has to remember his father by – his sword, Ormstunga.
Miraculously surviving the attack, Ulf finds himself utterly alone, with double the anger and none of the skills to find the stranger and properly fight back. Although he had never wanted to return, Ulf finds himself back where he used to live before the death of his father, Thorgilsstad, and somehow manages to find a friend in the jarl’s son, Snorri, and among the warriors, who he grows quite close to.
Finally having a mission, something to channel his anger into, Ulf grows more and more focussed on what he must do – get his father’s sword back, and kill the stranger that had killed his family. And, slowly, things start to fall into place. With a strong group of warriors ready to fight and die by his side, Ulf finds himself among a new family. He trains with them, and fights alongside them. The Vikings are known to be violent people, sailing from their homes to raid other places, and take home anything they found to be of value, but they also formed very close-knit friendships, and cared for each other. They are not exactly characters you can stick up for, since they still carry out abominable acts, but they are somehow likeable, despite the violence, pillaging, and killing. This book creates an excellent portrayal of the Norse warriors within their hometowns, in their everyday lives, as well as on raids, and I loved learning more about how their communities ran.
Ulf is a very troubled character. He struggled with uncontrollable anger after losing his father at a young age, and after watching his uncle murdered, and losing the rest of his family, he is left with nothing but the anger burning inside of him. Ulf is a very headstrong individual, he does not often stop to think before he acts, pushed on by blinding rage, which puts him in danger more often than not. He finds himself in plenty of situations when, as a reader, I was not sure he would be able to make it out alive. Making friends with Snorri was not enough for Ulf to gain everyone’s trust, and he finds himself facing people of the community as well as outside violence.
The historical detailing in this book is absolutely wonderful. I especially loved finding out more about the Norse Gods as the characters talked about them. The gods were not worshipped, but either trusted, or feared, depending on the god in question, and the gods seemed to have a tendency to medal in people's lives! I also really liked hearing some of the myths and legends that these warriors believed, it felt like story-time, and most were stories I had never heard before, but were wonderful to come across.
There is something about Norse fiction that utterly enthrals me every time I come across it, and this book was no different. From the moment I started reading, I couldn’t stop. I found myself falling into the pages, and watching the story play out in front of me as if I were standing among the characters. The entirety of Ulf’s attention seems to revolve around getting revenge, and recovering Ormstunga, a quest that, in itself, seems almost impossible. As I read, I started to feel more and more like I needed the revenge as well, that Ormstunga being wielded by the stranger was an abomination. Ulf is so incredibly passionate that he not only convinced those around him to help him, but also convinced me to believe in his cause. This is a book that draws you in so entirely, you forget you are reading a book. Everything I read felt utterly real, and I commend the author for managing to create a book that reads as easily as watching a film, while maintaining tension and plenty of action.
This is an absolutely fantastic novel. It is hard not to like norse fiction, but there is something about this book that completely draws you in and keeps you captivated from beginning to end. If you are a fan of the Vikings, or Norse fiction in general, definitely check out this series! I can’t wait to read book 2!
Miraculously surviving the attack, Ulf finds himself utterly alone, with double the anger and none of the skills to find the stranger and properly fight back. Although he had never wanted to return, Ulf finds himself back where he used to live before the death of his father, Thorgilsstad, and somehow manages to find a friend in the jarl’s son, Snorri, and among the warriors, who he grows quite close to.
Finally having a mission, something to channel his anger into, Ulf grows more and more focussed on what he must do – get his father’s sword back, and kill the stranger that had killed his family. And, slowly, things start to fall into place. With a strong group of warriors ready to fight and die by his side, Ulf finds himself among a new family. He trains with them, and fights alongside them. The Vikings are known to be violent people, sailing from their homes to raid other places, and take home anything they found to be of value, but they also formed very close-knit friendships, and cared for each other. They are not exactly characters you can stick up for, since they still carry out abominable acts, but they are somehow likeable, despite the violence, pillaging, and killing. This book creates an excellent portrayal of the Norse warriors within their hometowns, in their everyday lives, as well as on raids, and I loved learning more about how their communities ran.
Ulf is a very troubled character. He struggled with uncontrollable anger after losing his father at a young age, and after watching his uncle murdered, and losing the rest of his family, he is left with nothing but the anger burning inside of him. Ulf is a very headstrong individual, he does not often stop to think before he acts, pushed on by blinding rage, which puts him in danger more often than not. He finds himself in plenty of situations when, as a reader, I was not sure he would be able to make it out alive. Making friends with Snorri was not enough for Ulf to gain everyone’s trust, and he finds himself facing people of the community as well as outside violence.
The historical detailing in this book is absolutely wonderful. I especially loved finding out more about the Norse Gods as the characters talked about them. The gods were not worshipped, but either trusted, or feared, depending on the god in question, and the gods seemed to have a tendency to medal in people's lives! I also really liked hearing some of the myths and legends that these warriors believed, it felt like story-time, and most were stories I had never heard before, but were wonderful to come across.
There is something about Norse fiction that utterly enthrals me every time I come across it, and this book was no different. From the moment I started reading, I couldn’t stop. I found myself falling into the pages, and watching the story play out in front of me as if I were standing among the characters. The entirety of Ulf’s attention seems to revolve around getting revenge, and recovering Ormstunga, a quest that, in itself, seems almost impossible. As I read, I started to feel more and more like I needed the revenge as well, that Ormstunga being wielded by the stranger was an abomination. Ulf is so incredibly passionate that he not only convinced those around him to help him, but also convinced me to believe in his cause. This is a book that draws you in so entirely, you forget you are reading a book. Everything I read felt utterly real, and I commend the author for managing to create a book that reads as easily as watching a film, while maintaining tension and plenty of action.
This is an absolutely fantastic novel. It is hard not to like norse fiction, but there is something about this book that completely draws you in and keeps you captivated from beginning to end. If you are a fan of the Vikings, or Norse fiction in general, definitely check out this series! I can’t wait to read book 2!
March 9, 2023
I really like this book. This was the first book of its kind that I read I wasn’t sure what to expect.
August 4, 2021
You should read this book
He writes an excellent story with good character development. Cook obviously did his research about the Gods. Definitely a great read.
He writes an excellent story with good character development. Cook obviously did his research about the Gods. Definitely a great read.
July 11, 2023
Riveting
Enjoyed this book immensely,great story line,great characters,looking forward to reading the rest in the series.
If you like Peter gibbons you will like this.
Enjoyed this book immensely,great story line,great characters,looking forward to reading the rest in the series.
If you like Peter gibbons you will like this.
September 27, 2021
Good but…
I will never give more than three stars to a cliff hanger. I just think it is an insult and a rip off. Book was good except for the crappy ending.
I will never give more than three stars to a cliff hanger. I just think it is an insult and a rip off. Book was good except for the crappy ending.
December 14, 2022
Ulf, our protagonist, is a miserable fellow. Orphaned at a young age, he was taken in by his uncle and aunt, though this home, too, was destroyed by a mysterious, ugly, brutal troll name Griml who came out of nowhere and killed everybody just for sport. The troll thought Ulf was dead, too, but our hero was later saved by a man in the woods who nursed him back to health. Once recovered, Ulf swore to Odin that he would find and kill Griml and get his sword back—a family heirloom—which the murderer stole after killing his uncle. Fortunately for Ulf—though he didn’t realize it—he fell in with the son of the Jarl his own father had served. And died for. Ulf’s rage at being abandoned by his father contributed to his overall bad temper, which he could barely control at the best of times. Unfortunately, the Jarl and most of his men were convinced that Ulf killed his own family, so he had even more angst to work out. His first meeting with the Jarl didn’t help matters:
“I know how my father used his shield to block the blow meant for his jarl, even though he was facing two opponents himself. I know how his opponents used this moment to bury their swords in him.”
The hall was completely silent, not even the mice in the roof were making a noise.
“I know how his brother, my uncle, could not get there in time to save him. How my uncle had taken my father’s famed sword and brought it to me. How he had to tell a young boy that his father, who he adored, who was the only parent he had left, had sacrificed himself to save his jarl. How he had died bravely in battle and how he was at this very moment drinking with his ancestors in Valhalla.”
Ulf’s fists were shaking with the rage that was coursing through him. He felt the tears running down his face but did not care.
“I know how my father chose his jarl over his son,” he almost growled those last words out.
Oh dear. What a mess. Needless to say, the Jarl didn’t appreciate this unwelcome guest, but his son Snorri stuck by his new friend, for he felt they were tied together somehow. Snorri promised to help Ulf in his quest, though they did not know how to find the mysterious Griml. At the very least, Snorri could teach Ulf to fight, and a small group of his friends eventually accepted the stranger. It became apparent that the Gods favored Ulf, and the Norse respected the Gods, so they let matters take their course. And what a ride! Lots of fighting and adventures ahead.
“I know how my father used his shield to block the blow meant for his jarl, even though he was facing two opponents himself. I know how his opponents used this moment to bury their swords in him.”
The hall was completely silent, not even the mice in the roof were making a noise.
“I know how his brother, my uncle, could not get there in time to save him. How my uncle had taken my father’s famed sword and brought it to me. How he had to tell a young boy that his father, who he adored, who was the only parent he had left, had sacrificed himself to save his jarl. How he had died bravely in battle and how he was at this very moment drinking with his ancestors in Valhalla.”
Ulf’s fists were shaking with the rage that was coursing through him. He felt the tears running down his face but did not care.
“I know how my father chose his jarl over his son,” he almost growled those last words out.
Oh dear. What a mess. Needless to say, the Jarl didn’t appreciate this unwelcome guest, but his son Snorri stuck by his new friend, for he felt they were tied together somehow. Snorri promised to help Ulf in his quest, though they did not know how to find the mysterious Griml. At the very least, Snorri could teach Ulf to fight, and a small group of his friends eventually accepted the stranger. It became apparent that the Gods favored Ulf, and the Norse respected the Gods, so they let matters take their course. And what a ride! Lots of fighting and adventures ahead.
July 16, 2024
On the surface, Son Of Anger is a medieval Viking tale of revenge. At its core, the novel is a story about fulfilling one’s destiny. Ulf is a young angry Norseman seeking retribution for the family that was prematurely ripped from his life. The boy quickly learns that there is much more to his mission than vengeance alone. There are a myriad of pieces at play in his life and whether he is prepared or not, the battle doesn’t wait around. He is forced to grow up quickly and adapt to a culture at odds with itself and others from varying regions. There’s a coming-of-age element ever-present that I’m certain will flourish as the series progresses.
It isn’t some glorious epic, although it does have its fair share of triumphant moments. It’s a darkly emotional tale filled with unpredictable reckoning and cataclysmic decision-making. There’s enough action and scenes of warfare to keep traditional fans of historic fiction satisfied, but there is also a constant underlying sense of dread as there is one particular mischievous character whose identity isn’t immediately revealed. The author handles this with a tact that compels the reader to keep soldiering desperately hoping to uncover this mystery. There are themes of deceit, failure, loss, and sweet retribution as the story progresses. We are left with a bit of a cliff-hanger, but one that perfectly sets the stage for the next installment of the Ormstunga Saga.
I began this book just hoping to cleanse my pallet from the usual thrillers and mystery novels I typically consume. When it was over I was left astounded at the beautifully executed world-building and narrative-crafting. The final battle scene and the viscous attack launched by Ulf Bear-Slayer had me on the edge of my seat and left me absolutely craving more of the bloodlust described within. One couldn’t ask for a better suspenseful tale adorned with Viking lore.
It isn’t some glorious epic, although it does have its fair share of triumphant moments. It’s a darkly emotional tale filled with unpredictable reckoning and cataclysmic decision-making. There’s enough action and scenes of warfare to keep traditional fans of historic fiction satisfied, but there is also a constant underlying sense of dread as there is one particular mischievous character whose identity isn’t immediately revealed. The author handles this with a tact that compels the reader to keep soldiering desperately hoping to uncover this mystery. There are themes of deceit, failure, loss, and sweet retribution as the story progresses. We are left with a bit of a cliff-hanger, but one that perfectly sets the stage for the next installment of the Ormstunga Saga.
I began this book just hoping to cleanse my pallet from the usual thrillers and mystery novels I typically consume. When it was over I was left astounded at the beautifully executed world-building and narrative-crafting. The final battle scene and the viscous attack launched by Ulf Bear-Slayer had me on the edge of my seat and left me absolutely craving more of the bloodlust described within. One couldn’t ask for a better suspenseful tale adorned with Viking lore.
July 8, 2021
Intriguing and Captivating, but…
This book was a little slow to start after the initial action. Introspection is the authors strong point… That is if you like introspection lasting pages long.
Repetition is another word to use when describing this authors style. Several times in this novel the author went over the same stuff at least three times perhaps because of large breaks between the times it was written? Or a belief the reader forgot important seminal parts of the book and needed reminding.
But there was action to enjoy, which the author does very well. Unfortunately, there was also a surfeit of breast beating and immature wailing about being unsure of life and one’s place in it.
In summary, I am glad I read it and look forward to a follow on in this ‘Angry’ series. I’d change the anger emphasis, though, because it guarantees the breast beatings will continue, at least until the boy’s attitude improves. Enjoy!
This book was a little slow to start after the initial action. Introspection is the authors strong point… That is if you like introspection lasting pages long.
Repetition is another word to use when describing this authors style. Several times in this novel the author went over the same stuff at least three times perhaps because of large breaks between the times it was written? Or a belief the reader forgot important seminal parts of the book and needed reminding.
But there was action to enjoy, which the author does very well. Unfortunately, there was also a surfeit of breast beating and immature wailing about being unsure of life and one’s place in it.
In summary, I am glad I read it and look forward to a follow on in this ‘Angry’ series. I’d change the anger emphasis, though, because it guarantees the breast beatings will continue, at least until the boy’s attitude improves. Enjoy!
January 3, 2023
Very Satisfying Read
Son of Anger is very entertaining with the right amount of history magic and intrigue. It is a story of vengeance raw emotions and the strength of one young man to prove his innocence, conquer his fears and trust in the power of the Gods. The life of a Norse warrior is sometimes cruel as death is always near or inevitable forcing each person to live fully and wildly in this story.
Son of Anger is very entertaining with the right amount of history magic and intrigue. It is a story of vengeance raw emotions and the strength of one young man to prove his innocence, conquer his fears and trust in the power of the Gods. The life of a Norse warrior is sometimes cruel as death is always near or inevitable forcing each person to live fully and wildly in this story.
February 12, 2022
The bigger they are
I am on a roll. D. Cook made my week. That was a book that people who like a good Viking story needs to read. The original story line made it hard to put down. I'm kidding but the story was interesting and I bet there are few who read this that will tell you that this is hard book to put down
I am on a roll. D. Cook made my week. That was a book that people who like a good Viking story needs to read. The original story line made it hard to put down. I'm kidding but the story was interesting and I bet there are few who read this that will tell you that this is hard book to put down
December 19, 2021
Great Viking adventure
One of the better examples of this genre I have read, good characters and dialogue. Will certainly buy the sequel and hopefully Donovan Cook will write more.
One of the better examples of this genre I have read, good characters and dialogue. Will certainly buy the sequel and hopefully Donovan Cook will write more.
June 18, 2022
very interesting
Well put together, compelling action and characters with an intriguing dash of the spiritual/supernatural. Donovan Cook handles narrative with a sense of realism and surprise that holds attention. A pleasure.
Well put together, compelling action and characters with an intriguing dash of the spiritual/supernatural. Donovan Cook handles narrative with a sense of realism and surprise that holds attention. A pleasure.
August 6, 2021
I came by this book by chance, and I’m so glad that I did, I literally couldn’t put it down ‘WOW’ what a read. Really can’t wait for the next book.
March 27, 2022
excellently written
This book is hard to put down, it is written so well. If you are a fan of Bernard Cornwall, you will enjoy this author as well.
This book is hard to put down, it is written so well. If you are a fan of Bernard Cornwall, you will enjoy this author as well.
April 24, 2022
Great action
Action packed. Very good writing. Vivid imagery woven with good character development. I’ll definitely read more by this author. You won’t be able to put this one down
Action packed. Very good writing. Vivid imagery woven with good character development. I’ll definitely read more by this author. You won’t be able to put this one down
October 3, 2022
I enjoyed it.
This was a quick read, and at times I felt important scenes were glossed over, every “episode” left some niggle, as if it had been précied. If I had known less of the history of the times I think I should have been disappointed. As it was, it was a decent read.
This was a quick read, and at times I felt important scenes were glossed over, every “episode” left some niggle, as if it had been précied. If I had known less of the history of the times I think I should have been disappointed. As it was, it was a decent read.
December 6, 2022
Epic adventure
Beginning of what could be a wonderful yarn. Lots of action, great character development. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Will get the next installment.
Beginning of what could be a wonderful yarn. Lots of action, great character development. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Will get the next installment.
January 10, 2023
Son o£ anger
A enjoyable read with plenty of action
and a man finding his destiny so I hope they'll be more books
A enjoyable read with plenty of action
and a man finding his destiny so I hope they'll be more books
April 22, 2023
Exciting ands fast paced . I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am now reading the next one in the series.
May 21, 2021
Fast pace easy read
January 1, 2022
Excellent, really fast paced but only 2 in the series. Want more from the author
May 18, 2022
Entertaining enough, no great depth but enjoyable to read
December 16, 2022
Son of Anger by Donovan Cook is an epic coming-of-age tale that sweeps you into a Nordic action/ adventure during the Viking age. Ulf, the son of the famous warrior Bjørn, is embittered because he believes his father, who died in battle, had abandoned him as a boy. Ulf's uncle has adopted him as his son and trains him with weapons whenever they are not doing chores on the farm. A cruel Viking plunders the family farm, slaughtering Ulf's adopted family and leaving him for dead. A voice in a near-death vision charges Ulf to slay a cloaked troll. Unarmed, Ulf asks how he can slay the troll, and the voice answers, "Trust in your blood, Bjørnson. Embrace it."
Ulf wakes from his near-death experience to learn that an older man found him and an enslaved mute boy treated his wounds. After the boy unexpectedly kills his abusive master, Ulf accepts him as his companion and names him Vidar after Odin's son, who avenged his father's death. Likewise, Ulf swears to avenge the deaths of his adopted family, and he retrieves his father's sword, Ormstunga. Finally, he sets off on his pathway of vengeance with the mysterious Vidar to seek aid from Jarl Thorgils.
Ulf saves the son of Jarl Thorgils from a bear attack. Seriously injured, Ulf recovers in the household of Jarl Thorgils, for whom Bjørn had championed. Ulf must prove himself as a loyal and capable warrior to the Jarl, but he repeatedly falls short, in part, due to his uncontrollable anger. Yet, on his adventures, he slowly learns from failures and embraces his legacy and destiny to be a great warrior like his father. The riveting, climactic ending took my breath away.
Author Donovan is a master storyteller, weaving supernatural elements of Norse mythology into the tale. Scenes move at a fast clip, but nuances of the supernatural molding Ulf's destiny bubble just beneath the surface of the story. The tale follows the structure of the classic Joseph Campbell hero's journey. Ulf is an engaging, flawed hero who must undergo trials on his road to self-discovery. He is often knocked down, but he gets back up, ready to face his next challenge. After I finished the book, his epiphany of what truly motivates a warrior to fight resonated with me.
On the surface, Son of Anger seems like a simple tale, but underneath there are powerful themes of coming-of-age, good vs. evil, and father vs. son. It is a story about friendship and the bond between warriors fighting alongside each other. Author Donovan vividly describes the Viking culture, the warriors' training with weapons, and the fight scenes. The story works best when told from Ulf's point of view, but there are occasional scenes when characters head-hop. The book is best suited to a mature audience due to some graphic scenes of violence and some explicit language. Extra bonuses at the end of the book are a glossary of Viking terms used in the narrative and a list of Norse gods.
Son of Anger is a compelling, fast-paced tale of a young Viking on a hero's journey fraught with conflict, intrigue, and betrayal. It is highly recommended for readers who enjoy multi-layered Viking action and adventure with elements of Norse mythology spun into the story.
Ulf wakes from his near-death experience to learn that an older man found him and an enslaved mute boy treated his wounds. After the boy unexpectedly kills his abusive master, Ulf accepts him as his companion and names him Vidar after Odin's son, who avenged his father's death. Likewise, Ulf swears to avenge the deaths of his adopted family, and he retrieves his father's sword, Ormstunga. Finally, he sets off on his pathway of vengeance with the mysterious Vidar to seek aid from Jarl Thorgils.
Ulf saves the son of Jarl Thorgils from a bear attack. Seriously injured, Ulf recovers in the household of Jarl Thorgils, for whom Bjørn had championed. Ulf must prove himself as a loyal and capable warrior to the Jarl, but he repeatedly falls short, in part, due to his uncontrollable anger. Yet, on his adventures, he slowly learns from failures and embraces his legacy and destiny to be a great warrior like his father. The riveting, climactic ending took my breath away.
Author Donovan is a master storyteller, weaving supernatural elements of Norse mythology into the tale. Scenes move at a fast clip, but nuances of the supernatural molding Ulf's destiny bubble just beneath the surface of the story. The tale follows the structure of the classic Joseph Campbell hero's journey. Ulf is an engaging, flawed hero who must undergo trials on his road to self-discovery. He is often knocked down, but he gets back up, ready to face his next challenge. After I finished the book, his epiphany of what truly motivates a warrior to fight resonated with me.
On the surface, Son of Anger seems like a simple tale, but underneath there are powerful themes of coming-of-age, good vs. evil, and father vs. son. It is a story about friendship and the bond between warriors fighting alongside each other. Author Donovan vividly describes the Viking culture, the warriors' training with weapons, and the fight scenes. The story works best when told from Ulf's point of view, but there are occasional scenes when characters head-hop. The book is best suited to a mature audience due to some graphic scenes of violence and some explicit language. Extra bonuses at the end of the book are a glossary of Viking terms used in the narrative and a list of Norse gods.
Son of Anger is a compelling, fast-paced tale of a young Viking on a hero's journey fraught with conflict, intrigue, and betrayal. It is highly recommended for readers who enjoy multi-layered Viking action and adventure with elements of Norse mythology spun into the story.
May 19, 2023
Really really good
I loved the story. The characters were great and the storyline was so interesting. I will certainly read more of the adventures.
I loved the story. The characters were great and the storyline was so interesting. I will certainly read more of the adventures.
August 9, 2021
Excellent read, never a dull moment.
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